Frequently Asked Questions about Room Acoustics

Answers on sound simulation, reverberation times, and acoustic planning – concise and without jargon.

What reverberation time is recommended for conference rooms?

For meeting rooms with speech communication, the target value is usually between 0.6 and 0.8 seconds. In larger auditoriums, it may be slightly higher but should not exceed 1.0 second. The key factor is usage: the more speech, the shorter the reverberation should be. We measure the current state on site and derive specific remediation measures from it.

How does a sound simulation work during the planning phase?

First, we take over the floor plan and material data from your architectural model. Then we calculate sound propagation, reflections, and reverberation times for various room scenarios. The result is a color-coded diagram that highlights problem areas. Based on this, we recommend absorber surfaces, diffusers, or geometric adjustments – before construction even begins.

Which materials are suitable for open-plan office landscapes?

In open-plan offices, we combine sound-absorbing ceiling baffles with acoustically effective partitions. Micro-perforated panels and special acoustic plasters reduce noise levels without visually overloading the space. Placement is crucial: absorbers should be located where sound originates – above workstations and in communication zones. We always take existing building services into account.

Can you also retrofit existing buildings acoustically?

Yes, retrofitting existing rooms is a key focus of our work. We analyze the existing building structure, measure current reverberation times, and develop a concept that can be integrated into ongoing operations. Often, strategically placed absorber surfaces or mobile partitions are sufficient to significantly improve speech intelligibility.

Which standards and regulations do you consider in your planning?

Our calculations are based on European building standards, particularly ÖNORM B 8115 for building acoustics and DIN 18041 for room acoustics. For workplaces, we also incorporate noise reduction requirements. We document all assumptions and results so they can be used directly for submissions and tenders.

How long does an acoustic consultation for a project take?

That depends on the scope. You will receive an initial assessment for a single conference room within a few days after an on-site measurement. For a complete building with multiple usage types, expect two to four weeks for measurement, simulation, and documentation. For ongoing architectural projects, we are happy to support you across multiple planning phases.

Voices from planning offices, building owners, and facility management

What projects say about our acoustic planning

Measurable improvement instead of general satisfaction

We document every project with before-and-after measurements. Reverberation time, speech intelligibility, and sound insulation are recorded before and after implementation – so the benefit for building owners and architects remains traceable.

Conference center, 1,200 m²

The reverberation time in the plenary hall dropped from 1.8 s to 0.9 s. Speech intelligibility is now also ensured in the back rows without having to change the ceiling height.

Martina Petrovic B.Sc. Project Manager, Petrovic Architecture Office
Auditorium, 480 seats

The sound simulation already showed us where the critical reflection surfaces are during the design phase. This allowed us to place the wall panels precisely and avoid unnecessary costs.

Eva Dobler Client Representative, City of Dornbirn
Open-plan office, 3 floors

Noise levels in the open work areas have dropped by 6 dB. Employees report significantly fewer disturbances, and the meeting rooms are now truly shielded.

Gabriel Unger Facility Manager, Gewerbepark Dornbirn
Training center, 6 rooms

The simulation models helped us optimally coordinate the acoustic ceilings and partition walls. Implementation proceeded without delays in the construction schedule.

Mr. Andreas Janisch B.Sc. Technical Director, Bildungszentrum Vorarlberg
Administrative building, 2,400 m²

The collaboration was pragmatic: clear measurement protocols, comprehensible recommendations, and clean documentation for the tender. Exactly what we needed for the award.

Gernot Raab Managing Director, Raab Immobilien GmbH

Acoustic Services for Demanding Buildings

From the initial sound simulation to the final execution planning: We support architectural firms and building owners with precise calculations and practical recommendations for conference centers, auditoriums, and office buildings.

View the range of services

Sound Simulation in the Design Phase

As early as the preliminary design, we calculate sound propagation and reverberation times for your room geometry. This allows you to identify critical areas at an early stage and avoid costly renovations after completion.

Early planning certainty for architects

Reverberation Time Optimization for Conference Rooms

We size absorber and diffuser surfaces to match the room's usage. The result: clear speech intelligibility and pleasant working conditions without disturbing echo.

Measurably better intelligibility

Building Acoustics Consulting for Commercial Buildings

From impact sound insulation to facade insulation: We test building components and connections for their sound-insulating properties and recommend cost-effective solutions.

Compliance with European building standards

Acoustic Efficiency in Open-Plan Offices

Open work areas require a well-thought-out concept of ceiling baffles, partitions, and buffer zones. We analyze the noise sources and develop a coordinated package of measures.

Higher concentration and productivity

On-Site Measurement and Documentation

After implementation, we verify the actual values on site and document the results. This gives you a reliable basis for acceptance and warranty.

Verified results for handover

Consulting on Materials and Installation

We recommend specific products and mounting methods that suit your ceiling and wall construction. This saves time during tendering and avoids building physics issues.

Directly implementable tender specifications

Service packages for your acoustic planning

Three clearly defined service levels – from initial analysis to construction-accompanying quality assurance. Each package is tailored to a specific project stage and can be supplemented with optional modules.

Level 1

Initial Acoustic Analysis

On-site measurement of reverberation times in up to six rooms, recording of room geometry, and a preliminary assessment according to ÖNORM B 8115-3. You receive a compact report with prioritized recommendations for action – suitable for decision-making in the early project phase.

Level 2

Sound Simulation & Planning

Detailed simulation models for sound propagation and reverberation in conference centers, auditoriums, and office floors. We calculate sound coverage levels, speech intelligibility (STI), and sound insulation values, derive concrete material recommendations from these, and provide CAD-compatible planning documents for your architectural firm.

Level 3

Construction Supervision & Acceptance

Support during the execution phase with regular control measurements, coordination with trades, and a final acceptance measurement. We document the achieved values and ensure that the planned acoustic performance parameters are actually realized in the finished building.

Module

Optional: Facade & Impact Sound

Supplementary module for projects with increased requirements in building acoustics. We assess facade components with regard to external noise immissions and dimension impact sound insulation for floor ceilings – tailored to the requirements of the respective building class.

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